Following significant debate, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors has approved its fiscal year 2027 budget, highlighted by lower property taxes and increased public safety funding.
The board of supervisors approved the $164.8 million budget at its formal meeting on Thursday, April 23. The FY27 expenditure budget is $1.5 million lower than the previous year.
A lower tax rate in Johnson County
Urban residents in Johnson County have a new tax rate of 6.24 percent, while rural residents have a rate of 10.19 percent. In 2026, the property tax rate for urban residents was 6.73 percent, and for rural residents, 10.35 percent.
On average, Johnson County taxes represent approximately 21% of the total property tax bill for urban residents. The remaining 79% of urban property taxes are collected by the city of residence, the school district, and other taxing bodies. For rural residents, taxes represent approximately 37% of the total property tax bill.
Lack of federal funding reshapes spending
The new budget is no longer boosted by temporary federal aid. No American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is left, and social and health services are reverting to baseline funding levels.
In FY27, physical health funding remains relatively stable, while social services spending drops, about $10.9 million, driven by the expiration of ARPA funds and the reclassification of programs rather than large cuts.
Johnson County’s public safety spending to rise to $44M
Johnson County’s new budget reflects a $3 million increase in spending for public safety and legal services, bringing total spending to about $44 million, up from $41.1 million in 2026.
The rise includes $20.7 million for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and $6.1 million for the Johnson County Attorney’s Office. The supervisors noted that the increase is offset by the sheriff’s office’s five-year contract with the city of Tiffin to increase its law enforcement presence.
Community-backed immigrant services amendment rejected
During the budget process, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to deny a proposed amendment from the immigrant-led organization Escucha Mi Voz Iowa to provide more funding for immigrant services.
Supervisors Mandi Remington and V Fixmer-Oraiz voted “yes,” with chair Jon Green, Rod Sullivan and Lisa Green-Douglass voting “no.”
Escucha Mi Voz delivered a formal letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors during an April 15 budget hearing, requesting a $300,000 budget amendment. The organization said they have provided over 2,000 direct services to immigrants despite limited funding from Johnson County.
The board considered adding $165,000 to support the organization’s comprehensive legal services on April 23, but ultimately decided not to approve the amendment.
Dozens of community members voiced their support for Escucha Mi Voz during the April 23 meeting, after the organization established a public petition. The board also received dozens of emails from community members, according to board documents.
“The voting result on this budget won’t decrease our ability to do that in any way,” said Escucha Mi Voz organizer, Getsy Hernandez. “However, we have made it clear time and time again that we need the county to do its part and allocate funds efficiently where demand for immigrant services is rapidly growing.”
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County hikes public safety budget, nixes immigrant support
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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